Noosa Jazz fest heats up
25 August 2008
There is nothing like playing a gig then walking across the road and taking a swim in the ocean.
That is half the attraction of playing the upcoming Noosa Jazz Festival, according to musician George Washingmachine.
The festival regular will be hitting town when the annual event kicks off in Hastings Street from September 4-7.
The program is bursting with top headliners: Jackson Jackson, Los Delincuente All Stars, Watussi, The Bamboos, The Hoodangers, The Moods, Society Syncopators, Sweet Lowdowns, Yvette Johansson, Joe Ruberto Trio, and many more.
George is known for being a “swinging and eccentric singer as well as a dazzling violin player, accomplished actor and unabashed showman”.
Proficient on anything with strings, he has played the world over, and is also part of the self-titled jazz community “Bonzer Vista Social Club”, which includes Aussie stars; Graham Bell, Don Burrows, James Morrison, Bob Barnard, Ian Date and Monica Trapaga.
“I love the Noosa Jazz Festival vibe, there is a band in nearly every restaurant and the beach is across the road. It is a great way to kick off the spring festival circuit, a gathering of the clan and different musical styles,” George said by phone last week.
The musician said audiences could expect the unexpected when he teams up with various artists during the festival.
“You are thrown into situations you are not accustomed to, which adds an element of danger. Keep your eyes and ears open and away you go,” George said.
“I enjoy working with musicians who are better than me. You are forced to rise to their level and are pushed along.
“When playing jazz with a bunch of other musicians you establish a dialogue then play chasies and hide and seek, interweaving and building sounds.
“It’s like being on a high wire... without a net!”
But good jazz is all about making people feel relaxed.
“The trick to playing in different musical situations is to play what your musicians are comfortable with. Once you’ve done that you can then start throwing in things from left field,” George said.
“Everyone being relaxed makes for much better music.
“And at Noosa, audience members are into everything. They have the expectation of being kept on their toes! And once on their toes, they start tapping them.
“I am looking forward to seeing everyone again.”
For program information or to buy a daily pass to the festival, call Tickevent on 1300 797 723 or go to www.usmevents.com.au.
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